Should We Rethink Dressing-Up for World Book Day? | Series 1, Episode 28

Episode 28 transcript

Should We Rethink Dressing Up? The Pressure of World Book Day Costumes and Some Alternatives

World Book Day dates back to 1995, and started in 1997 in the UK, as a celebration of reading, offering free book tokens to children. But over time, it’s become a mixed blessing for many families. While the idea of dressing up as favourite book characters seems fun, the reality is more complicated. With 31% of UK children living below the poverty line and 40% of primary schools lacking library funding, costume expectations can feel like yet another financial hurdle. Some schools have responded with budget-friendly alternatives – think pyjama days or repurposing uniforms – making participation easier for everyone. Still, the struggle between keeping the tradition alive and ensuring inclusivity continues.

The Financial Strain of Costumes

For many parents, the cost of a World Book Day outfit isn’t trivial. A pre-made Hermione Granger cloak might set you back £20, while a DIY version (a school uniform plus a secondhand wand) costs far less. But even small expenses add up, especially for families relying on free school meals. Social media doesn’t help either – Instagram is flooded with elaborate, shop-bought costumes, making those without the means feel left out. Teachers see the divide first-hand, as some kids turn up in detailed outfits while others make do with what they have. At one primary school, the headteacher noted that requiring costumes only added to pupils’ anxiety and parental stress. And let’s be honest – World Book Day has become just as much about frantic last-minute Amazon orders as it is about books.

Finding Creative, Low-Cost Solutions

To bring the focus back to reading, some schools have ditched the costume requirement in favour of more inclusive activities. A “role on the wall” project lets children draw and design characters on paper instead of dressing up. Other schools run bedtime story-themed days where kids wear pyjamas, reinforcing the cosy, personal connection to books without added expense.

The World Book Day charity is backing these shifts, offering printable templates for accessories like Supertato masks and Dog Man ears. Schools are also getting creative with ideas like:

• Costume swap rails – Families donate old costumes for others to use.
• Cardboard workshops – Quick sessions where kids craft props from recyclables.
• Book-themed potato decorating – A fun, low-cost way to bring stories to life.

A National Literacy Trust study in 2024 found that kids engaged more deeply with reading when activities focused on creativity rather than appearance. And schools that moved away from costumes saw library visits rise –  some primaries reported a 40% increase after introducing pyjama-themed participation.

Should Costumes Be Scrapped Entirely?

Not everyone wants to abandon costumes. Some educators argue that dressing up helps reluctant readers engage with stories, especially those who learn best through hands-on activities.

What Needs to Change?

To make World Book Day work for everyone, bigger changes are needed. Some ideas include:

• Government-funded costume libraries, where families can borrow outfits.
• Incorporating costume-making into the curriculum, using art lessons to create props.
• Expanding book token schemes to cover costume materials for low-income families.
• Teacher training on low-cost literacy activities that prioritise engagement over expense.

The Department for Education’s 2025 draft literacy strategy is even considering linking funding to schools that actively reduce financial pressures on families – a potential game-changer for equity.

Making World Book Day Truly Inclusive

World Book Day has the potential to be a joyful celebration of reading, but only if it’s accessible to all. Enthusiasm for books doesn’t have to rely on shop-bought costumes – it’s about making stories feel personal and exciting. As budgets tighten, schools and policymakers need to rethink how the day is celebrated. Otherwise, what was meant to be an inclusive event could become yet another marker of inequality.

• Have a look at our World Book Day Costume Ideas page for more information.

Alternatives to dressing up

If dressing up for World Book Day isn’t your thing, don’t worry – there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Here are some fresh ideas to get students excited about books without needing a costume.

Engaging Storytelling Activities

Map the Story

Turn book settings into visual journeys by having students create illustrated or 3D maps of fictional worlds. They can mark key locations, jot down character actions, and add their favourite quotes. Imagine a detailed map of The BFG’s Giant Country, complete with labelled Dream Jar caves and a path leading to Sophie’s hiding spot. To make it interactive, classmates can navigate each other’s maps by solving book-related riddles.

Group Story Remix

Encourage creative collaboration by having students reimagine classic tales. Give them a “story seed” (like the wardrobe from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) and challenge them to twist the genre – what if the wardrobe led to a futuristic space colony instead of Narnia? They can sketch scenes, write mini-chapters, or record their stories as podcasts. It’s a great way to show how stories evolve through different perspectives.

Interactive Reading Games

Book-Themed Treasure Hunts

Instead of traditional scavenger hunts, make reading part of the adventure. Hide clues in books that require kids to:

• Find synonyms for tricky words (e.g., “What’s a word for ‘huge’ in Chapter 3?”)
• Connect themes between different books
• Decode character motivations from dialogue

Winning teams can earn fun book-related rewards – like an extra library session or a Q&A with an author. For younger kids, hide laminated pages in playground spots and have them match excerpts to book covers.

Escape the Book!

Bring the thrill of escape rooms to the classroom with book-themed challenges. Students can:

• Crack secret codes using Harry Potter or Tolkien-inspired runes
• Arrange The Gruffalo scenes in the right order to “unlock” the next clue
• Solve logic puzzles based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Golden Ticket hunt

It’s an exciting way to mix problem-solving with reading comprehension – and the best part? The materials can be reused year after year.

Creative Book-Making

DIY Mini-Books

Let students become authors with their own small-scale publishing projects. They can create:

• Haiku chapbooks inspired by nature scenes from books like The Lost Words
• Graphic novellas that visually retell favourite book moments
• Choose-your-own-adventure tales where readers vote on what happens next

Host a “publishing party” where kids exchange their books using homemade library cards – it’s a great way to build confidence in their storytelling skills.

Book Trailers

Combine digital creativity with book enthusiasm by having students make 60-second trailers for their favourite reads. Using simple apps like Canva or iMovie, they can:

• Highlight dramatic moments (without spoilers!)
• Add suspenseful text overlays (“What secrets lie beyond the locked door?”)
• Choose music that fits the book’s mood

Play the trailers at school assemblies to spark interest in new books.

Making Reading a Social Experience

Reading Cafés

Transform the classroom into a cosy reading café. Set up tables with themed “menus” of books, serve warm apple juice (aka “hot chocolate”), and let students chat about what they’re reading. A few fun extras:

• Book baristas: Teachers or parent volunteers give recommendations
• Tablecloth predictions: Kids write their guesses about upcoming plot twists
• Themed days: “Mystery Mocha Monday” or “Fantasy Froth Friday” to keep things exciting

No need for fancy supplies – just a few mugs, some printable decorations, and a good selection of books.

Reading Buddies

Pair up older and younger students for shared reading time. Buddies can:

• Take turns reading aloud
• Discuss character choices (“Why did Max sail to the Wild Things?”)
• Design bookmarks based on their favourite scenes

It’s a simple but powerful way to encourage fluency, confidence, and a sense of mentorship.

Deep-Dive Book Discussions

Character Interviews

Instead of dressing up as book characters, students can become them in a mock interview. Imagine Matilda explaining how she stayed hopeful despite her family’s attitude, or Paddington Bear sharing his funniest culture shock moments. Classmates can ask questions and rate each other on creativity and accuracy, with small prizes for the best performances.

Genre Exploration Zones

Set up interactive stations that showcase different genres:

• Mystery Corner: Use UV flashlights to reveal hidden messages in detective book excerpts
• Poetry Nook: Arrange magnetic words into new verses based on Revolting Rhymes
• Non-Fiction Hub: Set up a mini archaeology “dig” with fun facts about dinosaurs from non-fiction books

This lets kids explore books beyond their usual picks while making it hands-on and engaging.

Encouraging Peer Book Recommendations

Book Poster Swaps

Let students design persuasive posters recommending their favourite reads. They can include:

• Star ratings with emoji scales
• Thematic hashtags (#FriendshipGoals, #RobotRevolution)
• “If you liked ____, try ____” suggestions

Display them in the library or around school to inspire reading outside the classroom.

Peer Review Boards

Set up a “Rate My Read” board where kids can:

• Post mini-reviews on sticky notes
• Draw smiley faces to agree/disagree with classmates’ takes
• Link related books with thread (e.g., Diary of a Wimpy Kid → Tom Gates)

This creates a living, student-driven recommendation wall that evolves over time.

Rethinking World Book Day

Shifting World Book Day from a costume event to a celebration of books themselves can make the day more inclusive and meaningful. These activities – ranging from treasure hunts to book cafés – encourage deeper engagement with stories while keeping things fun and affordable. By focusing on creativity and connection rather than costumes, every child gets a chance to experience the magic of reading in their own way.